By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com
photo by Tim Fuller
The full cast of "Scrooge!" because a Christmas without Ebenezer's triumph over material matters just isn't.....Christmas!
As promised, Arizona Theatre Company has brought back an even bigger and more dazzling production for it's second consecutive year of “Scrooge!” with book, music and lyrics by Oscar and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse.
Once more this tale of miserly Scrooge's transformation into that most jovial of reformed Christmas spirits comes complete with enthusiastically leaping Londoners singing and dancing in their jaunty top hats and finest frocks.
Shuler Hensley also returns in the titular role of Ebenezer Scrooge, making his entrance in a grumpy mood to sing “I Hate People.” Several other members are back from last year's cast, including Stewart Gregory as the Ghost of Jacob Marley and Dennis Tamblyn as Mr. Fezziwig.
Nearly as famous as the players is that remarkable scenic design by Jason Ardizzone-West, accompanied by the projection designs of Brad Peterson, looking more three-dimensional than ever, creating an expansive version of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” that feels vibrant as Santa's own shopping list and pretty as a Christmas card (costumes designed by Elizabeth Caitlin Ward).
Hensley goes deeper into Scrooge's seasonal malaise, bringing the experience of a Broadway actor and operatic performer who has played opposite Patti LuPone at the Kennedy Center, with the New York Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony orchestras.
The gradual melting of Hensley's scowling “humbug” attitude while being forced to reconsider his dedicated penny-pinching lifestyle takes place amid stage effects that keep topping themselves one eye-catching turn after another.
No matter whether it is the city's cheery streets or Scrooge's own flights into darker phantasms of past, present and future, everything always feels larger than the theater itself.
These dizzying sets of time-traveling revelations reach far beyond mere reproductions of period furniture and fanciful scenarios, combining computerized effects that can feel like one's own dreams.
So it becomes the players, directed by ATC artistic director Matt August, who serve up all the joys of human kindness. A cast of 28 singers, dancers and townspeople bring a full portion of the season's joyful sauce to the stage.
August himself has fine-tuned the material, working with the Bricusse Estate. The Ghost of Christmas Past is Karmine Alers. The Ghost of Christmas Present is Geoffrey F. Belliston. The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is John Michael Peterson.
Music is always in the air, from strolling carolers brightening their holiday alfresco to the enthusiastic guests at Fezziwig's Christmas party. A pit orchestra of two keyboards, violin, cello, bass and percussion provides full symphonic accompaniment.
The program notes also list 19 musical numbers, ranging from Scrooge's insular declaration that “I Hate People,” to his fully anticipated, “I'll Begin Again” of yuletide triumph..
“Scrooge!” runs through Nov. 30, with performances at various times Wednesdays through Sundays (no performance Thanksgiving Day) in the downtown Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. Run time is approximately 2 1/2 hours, including intermission.
Tickets are $33-$123. For additional details and reservations, 833-ATC-SEAT (282-7328) or online, atc.org
